Edge light device for photography system

ABSTRACT

An edge light device of the present disclosure creates edge light effects, such as spectral highlight or artistic effect, on a subject. The edge light device emits light to provide an illumination zone which can be generally out of the field of view of the camera. The edge light device includes a housing having features for controlling light to create edge light effects on a subject. In certain examples, the housing provides a light blocker for concentrating light toward the subject and blocking the light from illuminating the other areas, such as the camera, in the photography station. The housing further includes at least one aperture that cooperates with the light blocker and defines a light passage through which the light is directed toward the subject.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/435,377 filed on Feb. 17, 2017, entitled EDGE LIGHT DEVICE FORPHOTOGRAPHY SYSTEM, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A major difference between amateur and professional photography is thequality of the lighting. A professional photographer conducting aportrait photography session may spend hours customizing the lighting tocreate various effects for a particular subject. The photographer hasnumerous tools available to obtain the ideal lighting conditions,including a variety of different light sources.

In high volume professional photography, the photographer does not havethe time to customize the lighting conditions for every subject.Instead, the lighting system of the photography station is configured toaccommodate subjects as best as possible, but variations in subjectposition make it difficult to obtain uniformly complimentary light.Additionally, in portable photography studios, space constraints, suchas low ceiling height, limit lighting configuration. As a result,limitations are also imposed on the photographer's subject posingoptions as well as on the possible positions of the camera.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to an edge light devicefor a photography system. In one possible configuration and bynon-limiting example, the edge light device includes a housing havingone or more apertures to selectively radiate light for edge effects.Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but arenot limited to, the following aspects.

One aspect is an edge light assembly for a photography system. The edgelight assembly includes a housing defining an interior configured to atleast partially receive a light source. The light source is configuredto emit light. The housing includes a light blocker at least partiallysurrounding the light source and blocking the light from reaching acamera of the photography system; and at least one aperture provided atthe housing and configured to define a light passage through which thelight is directed toward a subject space between a background and thecamera.

Another aspect is a photography system including a digital camera, aforeground light assembly, an edge light assembly, and a controller. Thedigital camera is arranged and configured to capture a digital image ofa subject. The edge light assembly includes a housing defining aninterior configured to at least partially receive a light source. Thelight source is configured to emit light. The housing includes a lightblocker at least partially surrounding the light source and blocking thelight from reaching a camera of the photography system; and at least oneaperture provided at the housing and configured to define a lightpassage through which the light is directed toward a subject spacebetween a background and the camera. The controller operable to controlthe photography system to: illuminate the subject with the foregroundlight assembly; illuminate the subject with the edge light assembly; andcapture a digital image with the digital camera.

Yet another aspect is a photography method including setting up aphotography station by: arranging a digital camera with respect to asubject space; arranging a foreground light assembly with respect to thesubject space; and aligning an edge light assembly with the subjectspace, the edge light assembly including a housing defining an interiorconfigured to at least partially receive a light source. The lightsource is configured to emit light. The housing includes a light blockerat least partially surrounding the light source and blocking the lightfrom reaching the camera of the photography system; and at least oneaperture provided at the housing and configured to define a lightpassage through which the light is directed toward the subject space.The method further includes operating a controller to synchronizeoperations of the digital camera, the foreground light assembly, and theedge light assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective diagram of an example photographystation.

FIG. 2 is an example photograph captured with the photography station.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an example edge light device.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the edge light device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the edge light device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the edge light device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the edge light device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the edge light device, taken alongline A-A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the edge light device, taken alongline A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example operation of the edge light device.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of another example of the edge lightdevice.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another example of the edge lightdevice.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another example of the edge lightdevice.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example setup of the edge light devices in thephotography system.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of an example camera.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of an example controller.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing devicewhich can be used in the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views.

In general, the edge light device of the present disclosure replacesexisting rim lights to create predetermined edge light effects, such asspectral highlight or artistic effect, on a subject. The edge lightdevice is configured to be easily incorporated with existing photographystations. Further, the edge light device provides consistent light topredetermined locations, which are reproducible. The edge light devicealso provides an error proofing solution for creating special edgeeffects on subjects of various attributes, such as height, body shape,and posture.

The edge light device of the present disclosure emits light to providean illumination zone which can be generally out of the field of view ofthe camera. For example, the edge light device is configured andarranged such that the light from the edge light device does notilluminate the lens of the camera.

In certain embodiments, the edge light device of the present disclosureincludes a housing having features for controlling light to create edgelight effects on a subject. For example, the housing is shaped toprovide a light blocker for concentrating light toward the subject andblocking the light from illuminating the other areas, such as thecamera, in the photography station. The housing further includes atleast one aperture that cooperates with the light blocker and defines alight passage through which the light is directed toward the subject.

The housing defines an interior for at least partially receiving a lightsource. The interior of the housing can be configured to benon-reflective. In certain embodiments, the housing of the edge lightdevice provides one or more edges, such as straight edges, for aligningthe edge light device with a subject or a predetermined marker of thesubject or a subject space on which the subject is located.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective diagram of an example photographystation 100. In one example, the photography station 100, which is alsoreferred to herein as a photography system, includes an image capturesystem 102 and a station assembly 104. In some embodiments, the imagecapture system 102 includes a camera 112, a controller 114, and acomputing device 116. In some embodiments, the station assembly 104includes a forward portion 122 and a rearward portion 124. The forwardportion 122 includes, for example, a stand 126 that supports a mainlight 128 and a fill light 130. The rearward portion 124 includes ascene support 134 that supports a photographic scene 136, such as abackground scene and a floor scene. A subject space 138 is definedbetween the forward portion 122 and the rearward portion 124. Therearward portion 124 further includes one or more edge light devices140. In some embodiments, the subject space 138 is defined by an areathat can be captured by a field of view of the camera.

The image capture system 102 operates to capture an image of one or moresubjects in the photography studio, and, in some embodiments, to controlthe overall operation of the photography station 100. For example, insome embodiments, the image capture system 102 performs a setup processto ensure that the photography station 100 is properly set up, tocapture digital images of a subject, and to monitor the operation of thephotography station 100 while the images are being captured to alert thephotographer to potential problems.

The camera 112 is typically a digital camera that operates to capturedigital images of one or more subjects. An example of camera 112 isdescribed and illustrated in more detail herein with reference to FIG.15.

The camera 112 is typically mounted on a tripod or other supportstructure. In some embodiments, the height of the camera 112 is adjustedby a motor coupled to a shaft of the tripod. When the motor rotates, theshaft of the tripod extends or contracts to raise or lower the camera112. In some embodiments, the camera 112 is mounted to the shaft at afixed and non-variable angle relative to the vertical shaft of tripod.In other embodiments, the camera 112 is mounted to be adjustable inangle and/or orientation relative to the vertical shaft of tripod.

The controller 114 operates to control and coordinate the operation ofvarious components of the photography station 100. An example ofcontroller 114 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 16.

In this example, the controller 114 is electrically connected to thecamera 112, the computing device 116, and lights (such as the lights128, 130, and 140), via, for example, one or more wires or datacommunication cables. In another possible embodiment, wirelesscommunication is used to communicate between a wireless communicationdevice of the controller 114 and a wireless communication device of oneor more of the camera 112 and the lights. An example of a wirelesscommunication protocol is the 802.11 a/b/g/n communication protocol.Other embodiments use a custom wireless communication protocol. Wirelesscommunication includes radio frequency communication, infraredcommunication, magnetic induction communication, or other forms ofwireless data communication.

The computing device 116 operates, in some embodiments, to interfacewith a user, such as the photographer. An example of the computingdevice 116 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 17. Insome embodiments, the computing device 116 generates a graphical userinterface, such as to provide instructions to the user, warn the user ofpotential problems, display a live video feed preview from camera 112,and display an image after it has been captured.

The computing device 116 also operates to receive input from the user insome embodiments. In some embodiments, the computing device 116 includesa keyboard, a touch pad, a remote control, and a barcode scanner thatreceive input from the user.

In some alternate embodiments, one or more of the camera 112, thecontroller 114, and/or the computing device 116 are a single device. Forexample, in some embodiments, the camera 112 and the controller 114 areconfigured as a single device that captures digital images and performscontrol operations of controller 114. In another possible embodiment,the controller 114 and the computing device 116 are a single device. Inyet another possible embodiment, the camera 112, the controller 114, andthe computing device 116 are all a single device. Other combinations areused in other embodiments. Further, in yet other embodiments additionaldevices are used to perform one or more functions of these devices.

In some embodiments, the station assembly 104 generally includes theforward portion 122 and the rearward portion 124. The forward portion122 is configured to be positioned in front of a subject when an imageof the subject is captured. The rearward portion 124 is configured to bepositioned behind the subject when an image of the subject is captured.The subject is placed at the subject space 138, which is located betweenthe forward portion 122 and the rearward portion 124.

In this example, the forward portion 122 includes the stand 126 thatsupports the main light 128 and the fill light 130. Other embodimentsinclude more or fewer lights. In some embodiments, the main and filllights 128 and 130 include a flash bulb and a diffuser that surroundsthe bulb. In other embodiments, the main and fill lights 128 and 130 areconfigured to provide continuous lighting for several purposes. Forexample, the continuous lighting is used for recording videos. Thelights 128 and 130 are synchronized and controlled by controller 114.

The rearward portion 124 includes one or more edge light devices 140. Inaddition to the edge light devices 140, in some embodiments, therearward portion 124 can include one or more lights, such as abackground light. The rearward portion 124 further includes the scenesupport 134 that supports the photographic scene 136, such as abackground scene and a floor scene.

The edge light device 140 is a light device configured to generate lightplaced on the subject and provide the appearance of a light outline tothe subject. The edge light device 140 creates an edge light effectwhich separates the subject from the background and offers some depthand dimension to the subject in the photograph. In this document, theedge light device can also be referred to as a rim light, back light,hair light, shoulder light, or a kicker light. An example of the edgelight effect is illustrated with reference to FIG. 2.

The background light is provided to illuminate the photographic scene136. In this example, the background light is arranged forward of thephotographic scene 136. In other embodiments, the background light isarranged behind the scene support 134. The background light ispreferably arranged so that it does not significantly illuminate a sideof the subject that is facing the camera 112.

The scene support 134 is configured to hold the photographic scene 136in place. In some embodiments, the photographic scene 136 is hung at atop portion of the scene support 134. In other embodiments, thephotographic scene 136 is supported by the scene support 134 in anymanner.

The photographic scene 136 provides an area or scenery behind thesubjects standing in front of the image capture system 102. The subjectis arranged between the image capture system 102 and the photographicscene 136. In some embodiments, the photographic scene 136 includes abackground scene and a floor scene.

FIG. 2 is an example photograph 150 captured with the photographystation 100. The photograph 150 includes a subject 152 with a background154. In some embodiments, the background 154 is included in thephotograph 150 using a photographic scene (such as background and floor)replacement technology, such as chroma key technology and other suitabletechnologies. Examples of the photographic scene replacementtechnologies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,834,894, titled METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR BACKGROUND REPLACEMENT IN STILL PHOTOGRAPHS, issued Nov.16, 2010, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0347845,titled PHOTOGRAPHIC SCENE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM, filed May 30, 2014, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

The photograph 150 shows an edge light effect 156 around the edge of thesubject 152. The edge light effect 156 is created by the light radiatedfrom the edge light device 140 and hitting the back of the subject 152.

One of the benefits of the edge light effect 156 is that it canilluminate edges of the subject to provide a clear separation betweenthe subject 152 and the background 154. Without the edge light effect156, dark colors of a subject's clothing may be nearly indistinguishablefrom dark background colors, for example. The edge light effect 156provides a clear separation between the subject 152 and the background154. Additionally, the edge light effect 156 can also provide additionaldepth and dimension perspective to the subject in the photograph, toshow that the subject is positioned forward of and is spaced from thebackground.

In some embodiments, the edge light effect 156 is generated by the edgelight device 140 that is used to illuminate the subject from the back.In some embodiments, the edge light effect is used to create a specificstyle of lighting. For example, the edge light effect 156 can provide aglowing effect on the edges of the subject while the other area isdarker. The edge light effect 156 can also be sued to create a glowaround edges of the subject, which can generate a somewhat harsh or edgyartistic effect that is desirable for certain styles of photography.

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, an example structure of the edge light device140 is described.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the edge light device 140. Theedge light device 140 includes a housing 200 having a light blocker 202and a light passage 204. The light blocker 202 includes a front panel210, a rear panel 212, and side panels 214. The light passage 204includes at least one aperture 220. A light source 230 is also shown.

The housing 200 is configured to mount the light source 230 that emitslight. The housing 200 includes various features for selectively passingthe light therethrough in a predetermined way, as described below.

In some embodiments, the housing 200 is configured as a rectangular boxhaving the front panel 210, the rear panel 212, and the side panels 214.The front panel 210 is arranged to generally face the subject arrangedat the subject space 138 when the edge light device 140 is set up. Asdescribed herein, the rear panel 212 is configured to mount the lightsource 230 so that the light source 230 emits light from a rear end 218of the housing to a front end 216 of the housing. In other embodiments,the housing 200 has other suitable shapes.

The housing 200 is made of various materials. As described herein, thehousing 200 defines an interior 208 (FIGS. 8 and 9) into which the lightsource 230 is at least partially received. The inner surface of thehousing 200, which defines the interior 208, is made of non-reflective.For example, the interior of the housing 200 is formed of a materialthat absorbs most or all of the light from the light source.Alternatively, when the housing 200 is made of one material, such asplastic, metal, or glass, the interior of the housing 200 can be coatedwith one or more layers of material that absorb most or all of the lightfrom the light source.

The light blocker 202 is configured to at least partially surround thelight source 230 and block the light from reaching the camera 112 of thephotography station 100. In some embodiments, the light blocker 202 isdefined by panels or walls of the housing 200, such as the front panel210, the rear panel 212, and the side panels 214.

The light passage 204 is formed by the housing 200 and is configured todirect the light from the light source 230 toward the subject space 138between the forward portion 122 and the rearward portion 124. In someembodiments, the light passage 204 includes at least one aperture 220through which the light passes as the light blocker 202 blocks thelight. The light blocker 202 and the aperture 220 cooperate to directthe light to pass only through the aperture 220 of the housing 200. Insome embodiments, the light passage 204 includes a plurality ofapertures 220. In the illustrated embodiment, three apertures 220 areprovided. In other embodiments, the light passage 204 includes a singleaperture 220 with either a fixed size or an adjustable size. An exampleconfiguration of the aperture 220 is further illustrated and describedwith reference to FIGS. 8-13.

The inner edges 206 of the light blocker 202 define the outerperipheries of the apertures 220 and therefore define the maximumradiation angles that may proceed toward the subject. In this example,the inner edges are elliptical. Other embodiments have other shapes,such as circular, square, rectangular. As shown in FIG. 5 below, thewidth W_(A) of the inner edges 206 (or the aperture 220) defines themaximum horizontal radiation angle A_(L2) (FIG. 9) of light that ispermitted to pass through the housing 200. The height L_(A) of the inneredges 206 (or the aperture 220) defines the maximum vertical radiationangle A_(L1) (FIG. 8) of light that is permitted to pass through thehousing 200. As described herein, the width of the inner edges issmaller than the height of the inner edges to limit the horizontalradiation of light toward the subject, but not toward the camera.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the edge light device 140. Asillustrated, the edge light device 140 includes a support device 240, aswell as the light source 230, at the rear end 218 of the housing 200.

The light source 230 includes at least one lighting device 232 mountedto the housing 200. In some embodiments, the lighting device 232 can bemounted to the rear panel 212 of the housing 200. An exampleconfiguration of the lighting device 232 is illustrated and describedwith reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The support device 240 is configured to mount the edge light device 140to a light stand 242 (FIGS. 1 and 8). In some embodiments, the supportdevice 240 operates to detachably mount the edge light device 140 to thelight stand 242. In some embodiments, the support device 240 includes asupport bar 244 and a clamping device 246.

The support bar 244 is fixed to the housing 200 at one end and extendsfrom the housing 200. The other end of the support bar 244 is configuredto support the clamping device 246. In the illustrated embodiment, thesupport bar 244 is fixed to the rear panel 212 of the housing 200. Thesupport bar 244 can be fastened to the housing 200 using fasteners, suchas bolts or screws. In other embodiments, the support bar 244 can beattached to the housing 200 in different configurations, such assnap-fitting or interference-fitting.

The clamping device 246 is fixed to a free end of the support bar 244opposite to the end of the support bar 244 coupled to the housing 200.The clamping device 246 is used to support and secure the housing 200 tothe light stand 242. The clamping device 246 is further used to positionthe housing 200 relative to the light stand 242. For example, theclamping device 246 is configured to move the housing 200 relative tothe light stand 242 to adjust the height of the edge light device 140along a vertical direction V (FIG. 10). The clamping device 246 can alsobe used to rotate the housing 200 relative to the light stand 242 tochange an angular position of the edge light device 140 along arotational direction R (FIG. 10).

In some embodiments, the edge light device 140 includes a plurality ofsupport device 240. In the illustrated embodiments, two support devices240 are provided to the housing 200. In other embodiments, a singlesupport device 240 is configured and used to support the housing 200 tothe light stand 242.

The support device 240 can be used to mount the housing 200 of the edgelight device 140 two symmetrical ways with respect to the light stand242. For example, the support bar 244 can be detached and reversed 180degrees with respect to the housing 200, and attached to the housing200. Accordingly, the edge light device 140 can be coupled to the lightstand 242 to extend either in one direction from the light stand 242(e.g., the edge light device 140 on the left side in FIG. 1), orsymmetrically in the opposite direction from the light stand 242 (e.g.,the edge light device 140 on the right side in FIG. 1). In otherembodiments, the support device 240 is configured to couple the edgelight device 140 to the light stand 242 such that the longitudinal(i.e., vertical) center of the housing 200 of the edge light device 140is arranged and aligned with the longitudinal (i.e., vertical) center ofthe light stand 242. Other coupling arrangements are also possible inyet other embodiments.

The light stand 242 is used to stabilize and elevate the edge lightdevice 140. Examples of the light stand 242 include a tripod. Othertypes of the light stand 242 are also possible in other embodiments.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate different views of the edge light device 140 ofFIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, FIG. 5 is a front view of the edge lightdevice 140, FIG. 6 is a rear view of the edge light device 140, and FIG.7 is a side view of the edge light device 140. Various configurations,structures, and components are described above with reference to FIGS. 3and 4.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an example configuration of the edge lightdevice 140 is described. In particular, FIG. 8 is a cross sectional viewof the edge light device 140, taken along line A-A of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9is a cross sectional view of the edge light device 140, taken along lineA-A of FIG. 7.

As illustrated, the housing 200 is configured generally as a rectangularbox having a length L_(H), a width W_(H), and a depth D_(H). When theedge light device 140 is set up in the photography station 100, thelength L_(H) of the housing 200 is generally arranged along the verticaldirection V (FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the housing 300 isconfigured such that the length L_(H) is longer than the width W_(H). Inone example, a ratio between the length L_(H) and the width W_(H) rangesbetween about 2:1 and about 10:1. In another example, the ratio isbetween about 4:1 and about 8:1. In yet another example, the ratio isabout 6:1.

As described herein, one of more lighting devices 232 of the lightsource 230 are arranged at the rear panel 212 of the housing 200. In theillustrated embodiment, three lighting devices 232 are provided, andthree apertures 220 are correspondingly arranged in front of thelighting devices 232, respectively. In some embodiments, each of thelighting devices 232 is aligned with the center of the correspondingaperture 220, as illustrated with an alignment axis X in FIG. 8.

Each of the lighting devices 232 includes a socket assembly 234 and alighting element 236. The socket assembly 234 is configured to receiveand secure the lighting element 236, and provide electrical connectionsto the lighting element 236. The socket assembly 234 allows the lightingelement 236 to be conveniently replaced. In some embodiments, thehousing 200 includes through-holes on the rear panel 212. The socketassemblies 234 are arranged on the rear panel 212 at the exterior of thehousing 200, and the lighting elements 236 are arranged on the rearpanel 212 at the interior of the housing 200, such that the socketassemblies 234 and the lighting elements 236 are mated through thethrough-holes of the housing 200, respectively. For example, thelighting elements 236 have screw terminals which are screwed into thesocket assemblies 234 for wire connections. Such screw terminals of thelighting elements 236 pass through the through-holes of the housing 200to be coupled to the socket assemblies 234. Other mating configurationsare also possible in other embodiments.

The lighting element 236 can be configured with various types of lightbulbs. In some embodiments, a flashlight bulb is used to implement thelighting element 236. Other types of light bulbs can be used for thelighting element 236. In some embodiments, the lighting element 236 isconfigured to provide a brightness of about 45 watt seconds, when thelight element is a flashlight bulb. The aperture is configured to stopthe light that is heading in the wrong direction while the neutraldensity reduces the light by 2½ stops. In other embodiments, the lightelement is configured to provide a brightness between about 20 wattseconds and about 60 watt seconds. In yet other embodiments, the lightelement of other brightness can be used.

The lighting devices 232 are spaced apart along the length of thehousing 200 (i.e., the vertical direction V in FIG. 10). In someembodiments, the lighting devices 232 are equally spaced apart at adistance D_(S). In some embodiments, the distance D_(S) can bedetermined based on various factors including the dimension (such as thelength L_(H), the width W_(H), and the depth D_(H)) and shape (such asrectangular box, square box, cylindrical box, or rounded box) of thehousing, the size (such as the length L_(A) and the width W_(A)) andshape (such as circular, oval, square, or rectangular) of the apertures220, the distance D_(L) between the lighting devices 232 and theapertures 220, and the light characteristics (such as intensity andcolor) of the lighting devices 232. In some examples, the distance D_(S)ranges from about 12 inches to about 24 inches. In other examples, thedistance D_(S) is about 18 inches. With the lighting devices are closetogether, they can be indistinguishable from a continuous strip oflights. Depending on the subject's size (e.g., height), they may beilluminated by one light or by a feathering of multiple lights (e.g.,two) at a time. In other embodiments, at least some of the lightingdevices 232 are arranged at different distances. Since the lightingdevices 232 are aligned with the apertures 220, the apertures 220 aresimilarly spaced apart at the distance D_(S).

The lighting devices 232 are arranged at a distance D_(L) from thecorresponding apertures 220 along the depth of the housing 200. Thedistance D_(L) between the lighting devices 232 and the apertures 220are determined based on various factors including the dimension (such asthe length L_(H), the width W_(H), and the depth D_(H)) and shape (suchas rectangular box, square box, cylindrical box, or rounded box) of thehousing, the size (such as the length L_(A) and the width W_(A)) andshape (such as circular, oval, square, or rectangular) of the apertures220, the distance (D_(L)) between the lighting devices 232 and theapertures 220, and the light characteristics (such as intensity andcolor) of the lighting devices 232. In some examples, the distance D_(L)ranges from about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In other examples, thedistance D_(L) is about 6 inches when the aperture is dimensioned 8×1½inches such that the angle of horizontal light spread is controlled to14 degrees. The distances D_(L) and D_(S) are determined to provide asuitable compromise between having enough room for the subject to movearound and also protect the camera from flare. In some embodiments, thedistances between the lighting devices and the apertures are equal. Inother embodiments, at least one of the distances D_(L) between thelighting devices and the apertures are different from the otherdistances D_(L) between the lighting devices and the apertures.

In some embodiments, the lighting devices 232 are manually turned on oroff. In other embodiments, the controller 114 and/or the computingdevice 116 can be used to manually control the lighting devices 232. Inother embodiments, the lighting devices 232 are automatically controlledby the controller 114 and/or the computing device 116, as programmed.

The apertures 220 can have various configurations. In the illustratedembodiment, the apertures 220 have a shape that is elongated along thelength of the housing 200. Each of the apertures 220 has a length L_(A)and a width W_(A) that is narrower than the length L_(A). In oneexample, a ratio between the length L_(A) and the width W_(A) rangesbetween about 2:1 and about 10:1. In another example, the ratio isbetween about 4:1 and about 8:1. In yet another example, the ratio isabout 6:1. In some embodiments, the length L_(A) ranges from about 4inches to about 12 inches, and the width W_(A) ranges from about 0.5inches to about 2.5 inches. In other embodiments, the length L_(A) isabout 8 inches while the width W_(A) is about 1.5 inches. Thisparticular dimension is designed to illuminate a single subject of anyheight. Alternatively, the dimension of the apertures can vary toprovide flexibility for individual subjects or groups of subjects, orpossible alternatives.

In the illustrated example, the apertures 220 have rounded edges at theopposite longitudinal ends of the apertures (for example as shown inFIG. 5). In other embodiments, other shapes of the apertures 220 arealso possible.

In some embodiments, all the apertures 220 have the same shape andarrangement. In other embodiments, at least one of the apertures 220 canhave a different shape and/or arrangement from the other apertures.

As illustrated, the height L_(A) of the aperture 220 defines the maximumvertical radiation angle A_(L1) of light (FIG. 8) that is permitted topass through the housing 200. In some examples, the maximum verticalradiation angle A_(L1) ranges between about 10 degrees to about 170. Thewidth W_(A) of the aperture 220 defines the maximum horizontal radiationangle A_(L2) of light (FIG. 9) that is permitted to pass through thehousing 200. In some examples, the maximum horizontal radiation angleA_(L2) ranges between about 5 degrees and about 40 degrees. In otherexamples, the maximum horizontal radiation angle A_(L2) is about 14degrees. The maximum horizontal radiation angle A_(L2) can be determinedto provide enough spread to illuminate the subject without causing flarein the camera. As described herein, the width of the inner edges issmaller than the height of the inner edges to limit the horizontalradiation of light toward the subject, but not toward the camera.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example operation of the edge light device 140.In the illustrated example, the edge light device 140 includes threelighting devices 232 and three apertures 220 arranged to correspond tothe lighting devices 232, respectively. For example, the edge lightdevice 140 includes a first lighting device 232A, a second lightingdevice 232B, and a third lighting device 232C, and further includes afirst aperture 220A, a second aperture 220B, and a third aperture 220C,which correspond to the first lighting device 232A, the second lightingdevice 232B, and the third lighting device 232C, respectively.

In some embodiments, the lighting devices 232 are operable toselectively turn on and radiate light primarily through theircorresponding apertures 220. One or more of the lighting devices 232 areselected to emit light to a subject as necessary. In some embodiments,the lighting devices 232 are selectively activated to radiate light andcreate an edge light effect on subjects of different heights. Forexample, for a subject S1 having a height similar to the height H1 ofthe first aperture 220A, the first lighting device 232A is turned on toradiate light primarily through the first aperture 220A. For a subjectS2 having a height similar to the height H2 of the second aperture 220B,the second lighting device 232B is turned on to radiate light primarilythrough the second aperture 220B. For a subject S3 having a heightsimilar to the height H3 of the third aperture 220C, the third lightingdevice 232C is turned on to radiate light primarily through the thirdaperture 220C.

In other embodiments, the lighting devices 232 are selectively operatedto provide desired edge light effects on subjects with differentpostures. For example, when a subject S1 having a height similar to theheight H1 of the first aperture 220A stands on the subject space 138,the first lighting device 232A is turned on to provide a desired edgelight effect on the upper torso (such as the head and shoulders) of thesubject S1. When the subject S1 sits on a chair, the second lightingdevice 232B is activated to generate a desired edge effect on the uppertorso of the subject S1. When the subject S1 sits on the ground, thethird lighting device 232C is used to pass light primarily through thethird aperture 220C to create a desired edge effect on the upper torsoof the subject S1.

In yet other embodiments, the lighting devices 232 are selectivelyturned on to provide an edge light effect to different portions of aparticular subject. For example, when an edge light effect is desired atthe upper torso (e.g., the head and shoulders) of a subject S1, thefirst light device 232A is activated and the other light devices 232Band 232C are turned off. When an edge light effect is to be provided tothe lower torso (e.g., the waist) of the subject S1, the second lightdevice 232B is activated and the other light devices 232A and 232C areturned off. When an edge light effect is needed the hips or legs of thesubject S1, the third light device 232C is activated and the other lightdevices 232A and 232B are turned off. Further, in other examples, anycombination of the plurality of lighting devices 232 can be used tocreate edge light effects on different portions (either continuous ordiscrete) of a particular subject.

In yet other embodiments, the lighting devices 232 are selectivelyoperated to provide an edge light effect to different areas of aparticular subject. For example, when an edge light effect is needed ona limited area of a subject, only one of the first, second, and thirdlighting devices 232A, 232B, and 232C is turned on while the otherlighting devices are deactivated. When an edge light effect is desiredto a large or full area of the subject, all of the first, second, andthird lighting devices 232A, 232B, and 232C can be activated. In otherexamples, any combination of two lighting devices among the first,second, and third lighting devices 232A, 232B, and 232C can be used togenerate different areas of the subject.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, other examples of the edge light device 140are described.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of another example of the edge lightdevice 140. In this example, the edge light device 140 is configuredsimilarly to the edge light device illustrated in FIGS. 3-10, exceptthat one or more dividers 250 are provided in the interior 208 of thehousing 200. The dividers 250 are arranged to segment the interior ofthe housing 200 into a plurality of subspaces, each of which contains aset of a lighting device 232 and a corresponding aperture 220. Forexample, where three lighting devices 232 and three apertures 220 areprovided as in FIG. 11, two dividers 250 can be arranged to define threesubspaces including a first subspace 252A for the first lighting device232A and the first aperture 220A, a second subspace 252B for the secondlighting device 232B and the second aperture 220B, and a third subspace252C for the third lighting device 232C and the third aperture 220C.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another example of the edge lightdevice 140. In this example, the edge light device 140 is configuredsimilarly to the edge light device illustrated in FIGS. 3-10, exceptthat the light source 230 has a single lighting device 232 for aplurality of apertures 220. In some embodiments, a blocking cover 260 isarranged for each aperture 220. The blocking cover 260 can be operatedto open and close the associated aperture 220 to selectively pass lightfrom the lighting device 232 through one or more open apertures 220.

The blocking cover 260 is arranged in various configurations. In someembodiments, the blocking cover 260 is pivotally connected adjacent oneend of the associated aperture 220 so that the aperture 220 is closed oropen as the blocking cover 260 pivots. In other embodiments, theblocking cover 260 is configured to slide over the associated aperture220 to close the aperture 220. Other configurations are also possible inyet other embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another example of the edge lightdevice 140. In this example, the edge light device 140 is configuredsimilarly to the edge light device illustrated in FIGS. 3-10, exceptthat a single aperture 220 is provided with a plurality of lightingdevices 232. As described above, the lighting devices 232 can beselectively operated to radiate light of different height through theaperture 220.

The elements of the edge light device 140 as described herein can becombined differently. For example, the dividers 250 in FIG. 11 can beapplied to the examples of FIGS. 3-10 and 12-13. The blocking cover 260in FIG. 12 can be applied to the examples of FIGS. 3-11 and 13.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example setup of the edge light devices 140 inthe photography station 100. In some embodiments, the camera 112, themain light 128, and the fill light 130 are arranged at the forwardportion 122 of the station assembly 104, and the photographic scene 136(using the scene support 134) and the edge light devices 140 arearranged at the rearward portion 124 of the station assembly 104. Inother embodiments, other lights, such as a background light, can be setup to illuminate the photographic scene 136.

In some embodiments, two edge light devices 140 are arranged adjacentthe opposite sides of the photographic scene 136. In some embodiments,the edge light devices 140 are spaced apart from the photographic scene136. For example, the edge light devices 140 are arranged such that thecenter of the edge light device 140 is arranged at a distance D_(E) fromthe side of the photographic scene 136. In some embodiments, thedistance D_(E) ranges between about 1 inches and about 10 inches. Inother embodiments, the distance D_(E) can be shorter or longer than thisrange. In some embodiments, the light devices 140 need to be as close tothe edge of the background as reasonably possible. The closer the lightdevices are to the background behind the subject, the more of a glancingblow effect they will have and increase efficiency. In some embodiments,the look to achieve is similar to the glow in the sky sunlight bouncingoff a lake or road. In one example, the distance D_(E) can be set about3 inches to allow for clamping and enable a 7 feet wide background tofit between them.

The edge light devices 140 can be arranged with respect to a subject Sin various ways. In some embodiments, the edge light device 140 isarranged such that the housing 200 (i.e., the front panel 210) of theedge light device 140 is directed toward the center 280 of the subjectspace 138. For example, the center C of the housing 200 (or the centerline of the front panel 210) is aligned with the center 280 of thesubject space 138, as illustrated with a line 282.

In other embodiments, the edge light device 140 is arranged such thatone of the edges 284 of the front panel 210 of the edge light device 140is aligned with a particular point or portion of the subject space 138.For example, one of the edges 284 of the front panel 210 of the housing200 is aligned with the center 280 of the subject space 138, asillustrated with a line 286.

In yet other embodiments, the edge light device 140 is arranged suchthat one of the edges 284 of the front panel 210 of the edge lightdevice 140 is aligned with a particular point or portion of a subject Son the subject space 138. For example, one of the edges 284 of the frontpanel 210 of the housing 200 is aligned with a shoulder line 288 of thesubject S, as illustrated with a line 290. Other alignment methods arealso possible in yet other embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of an example camera 112. Thecamera 112 is typically a digital camera including at least anelectronic image sensor 302 for converting an optical image to anelectric signal, a processor 304 for controlling the operation of thecamera 112, and a memory 306 for storing the electric signal in the formof digital image data.

An example of the electronic image sensor 302 is a charge-coupled device(CCD). Another example of the electronic image sensor 302 is acomplementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active-pixel sensor. Theelectronic image sensor 302 receives light from a subject and backgroundand converts the received light into electrical signals. The signals areconverted into a voltage, which is then sampled, digitized, and storedas digital image data in the memory 306.

The memory 306 can include various different forms of computer readablestorage media, such as random access memory. In some embodiments, thememory 306 includes a memory card. A wide variety of memory cards areavailable for use in various embodiments. Examples include: aCompactFlash (CF) memory card (including type I or type II), a SecureDigital (SD) memory card, a mini Secure Digital (mini SD) memory card, amicro Secure Digital (microSD) memory card, a smart media (SM/SMC) card,a Multimedia Card (MMC), an xD-Picture Card (xD), a memory stick (MS)including any of the variations of memory sticks, an NT card, and a USBmemory stick (such as a flash-type memory stick). Other embodimentsinclude other types of memory, such as those described herein, or yetother types of memory.

In some embodiments, the camera 112 includes three main sections: a lens308, a mechanical shutter 310, and a CCD element 302. Generally, the CCDelement 302 has relatively rapid exposure speeds. However, the processof moving the captured image from the CCD element 302 to an imagestorage area such as the memory 306 is slower than the time to acquirethe image. Accordingly, in order to reduce the time between acquiringthe backlit and front-lit images as discussed herein—preferably tofurther reduce any motion of the foreground object in the time periodbetween shots—some embodiments include a CCD element 302 that is aninterline transfer CCD. Such elements are commercially available, andare manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, N.Y. under thedesignation KAI-11000. This type of CCD element 302 includes arrays ofphotodiodes interspaced with arrays of shift registers. In operation,after capturing a first image, photodiodes transfer the electrons to theadjacent shift registers and become ready thereafter to capture the nextimage. Because of the close proximity between the photodiodes andassociated shift registers, the imaging-transfer cycles can be veryshort. Thus, in some embodiments, the digital camera 112 can rapidlycapture a first image, transfer the first image to a memory 306 (whereit is temporarily stored) and then capture a second image. After thesequence of images, both of the images can be downloaded to theappropriate longer term memory location, such as a second memory device306.

Since the CCD element 302 continues to integrate the second image whilethe first image is read out, a shutter 310 is employed in front of theCCD element 302. In some embodiments, a mechanical shutter 310 is usedand is synchronized by the processor 304. The shutter 310 opens prior tothe capture of the first image and remains open for the duration of thesecond flash. It then receives a signal to close in order to eliminatefurther exposure from ambient light. Examples of suitable shutters 310are those that are commercially available and manufactured by RedlakeMASD LLC of Tucson, Ariz. However, other shutters 310 may be employed inother embodiments. Further, the exposure may be controlled by thelights, shutter 310, and/or a combination of the two in someembodiments.

The lens 308 is located in front of the shutter 310 and is selected toprovide the appropriate photographic characteristics of lighttransmission, depth of focus, etc. In some embodiments, the lens 308 isselected between 50 and 350 mm, with the image taken at an f-stopgenerally in the range of f16 to f22. This provides a zone focus for theimage. It also generally eliminates concerns regarding ambient light.However, it will be appreciated that any number of lenses, focusing, andf-stops may be employed in connection with the present invention.

To initiate the capture of the images, a remote control associated withthe camera 112 can be used. In some embodiments, the remote control isconnected to the controller 114, which generates a shutter releasesignal that is communicated to a shutter controller 312 of the camera112. However, other embodiments use other methods and devices toinitiate the image capture. For example, a button, switch or otherdevice might be included on the controller 114 or connected to thecamera 112. Still further, the computing device 116 is used in someembodiments to initiate the process.

A zoom controller 314 is also provided in some embodiments tomechanically adjust the lens 308 to cause the digital camera 112 to zoomin and out on a subject. In some embodiments, the remote control is usedto zoom in and out on the subject. Signals from the remote control arecommunicated to the controller 114, which communicates the request tothe zoom controller 314 of the digital camera 112. The zoom controller314 typically includes a motor that adjusts the lens 308 accordingly.

In some embodiments, the digital camera 112 includes a video camerainterface 316 and a data interface 318. The video camera interface 316communicates live video data from the digital camera 112 to thecontroller 114 (or the computing device 116) in some embodiments. Thedata interface 318 is a data communication interface that sends andreceives digital data to communicate with another device, such as thecontroller 114 or the computing device 116. For example, in someembodiments, the data interface 318 receives image capture messages fromthe controller 114 that instruct the digital camera 112 to capture oneor more digital images. The data interface 318 is also used in someembodiments to transfer captured digital images from the memory 306 toanother device, such as the controller 114 or the computing device 116.Examples of the video camera interface 316 and the data interface 318are USB interfaces. In some embodiments, the video camera interface 316and the data interface 318 are the same, while in other embodiments theyare separate interfaces.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of an example controller 114. Inthis example, the controller 114 includes a processor 402, a memory 404,a light control interface 406, a computer data interface 408, aninput/output interface 410, a camera interface 412, and a power supply414. In some embodiments, the camera interface 412 includes a datainterface 416 and a video interface 418.

The processor 402 performs control operations of the controller 114, andinterfaces with the memory 404. Examples of suitable processors andmemory are described herein.

The light control interface 406 allows the controller 114 to control theoperation of one or more lights, such as the main light 128, the filllight 130, the edge light 140, and any other lights (e.g., a backgroundlight). In some embodiments, the light control interface 406 is a sendonly interface that does not receive return communications from thelights. Other embodiments permit bidirectional communication. The lightcontrol interface 406 is operable to selectively illuminate one or morelights at a given time. The controller 114 operates to synchronize theillumination of the lights with the operation of the camera 112.

The computer data interface 408 allows the controller 114 to send andreceive digital data with the computing device 116. An example of thecomputer data interface 408 is a universal serial bus interface,although other communication interfaces are used in other embodiments,such as a wireless or serial bus interface.

One or more input devices, such as a remote control 420, are coupled theprocessing device 402 through the input/output interface 410. The inputdevices can be connected by any number of the input/output interfaces410 in various embodiments, such as a parallel port, serial port, gameport, universal serial bus, or wireless interface.

The camera interface 412 allows the controller 114 to communicate withthe camera 112. In some embodiments, the camera interface 412 includes adata interface 416 that communicates with the data interface 318 of thecamera 112 (shown in FIG. 15), and a video interface 418 thatcommunicates with the video camera interface 316 of the camera 112 (alsoshown in FIG. 15). Examples of such interfaces include universal serialbus interfaces. Other embodiments include other interfaces.

In some embodiments a power supply 414 is provided to receive power,such as through a power cord, and to distribute the power to othercomponents of the photography station 100, such as through one or moreadditional power cords. Other embodiments include one or more batteries.Further, in some embodiments, the controller 114 receives power fromanother device.

In some embodiments, the controller 114 is arranged and configured toprovide a single trigger pulse at the start of the integration of thefirst image. This pulse may be used by the controller 114 to synchronizethe lights. In one embodiment, the front or rising edge is used totrigger the edge lights 140 and/or any other lights (e.g., thebackground light) at the rearward portion, while the trailing or fallingedge can trigger the main light 128 and/or the fill light 130. Othertypes of triggers and pulses may be used. For example, the controller114 uses two different pulses in some embodiments, etc. Yet otherembodiments communicate digital messages that are used to synchronizeand control the various operations.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a computing device 500which can be used in the present disclosure. The computing device 500illustrated in FIG. 17 is used to execute the operating system,application programs, and software modules (including the softwareengines) described herein.

The computing device 500 can be of various types. In some embodiments,the computing device 500 is a desktop computer, a laptop computer, orother devices configured to process digital instructions. In otherembodiments, the computing device 500 is a mobile computing device.Examples of the computing device 500 as a mobile computing deviceinclude a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone and a tablet computer), awearable computer (e.g., a smartwatch and a head-mounted display), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld game console, a portablemedia player, a ultra-mobile PC, a digital still camera, a digital videocamera, and other mobile devices.

In some examples, at least a portion of the computing device 500 can beused to implement computing devices used in the photography station 100.It is also recognized that at least some of the architecture illustratedin FIG. 17 can also be implemented in various computing devices used toachieve aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the controller114 and the computing device 116 can be configured similarly to thearchitecture of FIG. 17.

The computing device 500 includes, in some embodiments, at least oneprocessing device 502, such as a central processing unit (CPU). Avariety of processing devices are available from a variety ofmanufacturers, for example, Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. In thisexample, the computing device 500 also includes a system memory 504, anda system bus 506 that couples various system components including thesystem memory 504 to the processing device 502. The system bus 506 isone of any number of types of bus structures including a memory bus, ormemory controller; a peripheral bus; and a local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures.

The system memory 504 includes read only memory 508 and random accessmemory 510. A basic input/output system 512 containing the basicroutines that act to transfer information within the computing device500, such as during start up, is typically stored in the read onlymemory 508.

The computing device 500 also includes a secondary storage device 514 insome embodiments, such as a hard disk drive, for storing digital data.The secondary storage device 514 is connected to the system bus 506 by asecondary storage interface 516. The secondary storage devices and theirassociated computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage ofcomputer readable instructions (including application programs andprogram modules), data structures, and other data for the computingdevice 500.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard diskdrive as a secondary storage device, other types of computer readablestorage media are used in other embodiments. Examples of these othertypes of computer readable storage media include magnetic cassettes,flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, compactdisc read only memories, digital versatile disk read only memories,random access memories, or read only memories. Some embodiments includenon-transitory media.

A number of program modules can be stored in secondary storage device514 or memory 504, including an operating system 518, one or moreapplication programs 520, other program modules 522, and program data524.

In some embodiments, the computing device 500 includes input devices toenable a user to provide inputs to the computing device 500. Examples ofinput devices 526 include a keyboard 528, a pointer input device 530, amicrophone 532, and a touch sensitive display 540. Other embodimentsinclude other input devices. The input devices are often connected tothe processing device 502 through an input/output interface 538 that iscoupled to the system bus 506. These input devices 526 can be connectedby any number of input/output interfaces, such as a parallel port,serial port, game port, or a universal serial bus. Wirelesscommunication between input devices and interface 538 is possible aswell, and includes infrared, BLUETOOTH® wireless technology,802.11a/b/g/n, cellular, or other radio frequency communication systemsin some possible embodiments.

In this example embodiment, a touch sensitive display device 540 is alsoconnected to the system bus 506 via an interface, such as a videoadapter 542. The touch sensitive display device 540 includes touchsensors for receiving input from a user when the user touches thedisplay. Such sensors can be capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, orother touch sensors. The sensors not only detect contact with thedisplay, but also the location of the contact and movement of thecontact over time. For example, a user can move a finger or stylusacross the screen to provide written inputs. The written inputs areevaluated and, in some embodiments, converted into text inputs.

In addition to the display device 540, the computing device 500 caninclude various other peripheral devices (not shown), such as speakersor a printer.

The computing device 500 further includes a communication device 546configured to establish communication across the network. In someembodiments, when used in a local area networking environment or a widearea networking environment (such as the Internet), the computing device500 is typically connected to the network through a network interface,such as a wireless network interface 550. Other possible embodiments useother wired and/or wireless communication devices. For example, someembodiments of the computing device 500 include an Ethernet networkinterface, or a modem for communicating across the network. In yet otherembodiments, the communication device 546 is capable of short-rangewireless communication. Short-range wireless communication is one-way ortwo-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication. Short-rangewireless communication can be established according to varioustechnologies and protocols. Examples of short-range wirelesscommunication include a radio frequency identification (RFID), a nearfield communication (NFC), a Bluetooth technology, and a Wi-Fitechnology.

The computing device 500 typically includes at least some form ofcomputer-readable media. Computer readable media includes any availablemedia that can be accessed by the computing device 500. By way ofexample, computer-readable media include computer readable storage mediaand computer readable communication media.

Computer readable storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any device configuredto store information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storagemedia includes, but is not limited to, random access memory, read onlymemory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, flashmemory or other memory technology, compact disc read only memory,digital versatile disks or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium that can be used to store the desired informationand that can be accessed by the computing device 500. Computer readablestorage media does not include computer readable communication media.

Computer readable communication media typically embodies computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data ina modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” refers to a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, computer readable communication mediaincludes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared, andother wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also includedwithin the scope of computer readable media.

The computing device illustrated in FIG. 17 is also an example ofprogrammable electronics, which may include one or more such computingdevices, and when multiple computing devices are included, suchcomputing devices can be coupled together with a suitable datacommunication network so as to collectively perform the variousfunctions, methods, or operations disclosed herein.

Referring again to FIG. 17, the computing device 500 can include alocation identification device 548. The location identification device548 is configured to identify the location or geolocation of thecomputing device 500. The location identification device 548 can usevarious types of geolocating or positioning systems, such asnetwork-based systems, handset-based systems, SIM-based systems, Wi-Fipositioning systems, and hybrid positioning systems. Network-basedsystems utilize service provider's network infrastructure, such as celltower triangulation. Handset-based systems typically use the GlobalPositioning System (GPS). Wi-Fi positioning systems can be used when GPSis inadequate due to various causes including multipath and signalblockage indoors. Hybrid positioning systems use a combination ofnetwork-based and handset-based technologies for location determination,such as Assisted GPS.

The various examples and teachings described above are provided by wayof illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope ofthe present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognizevarious modifications and changes that may be made without following theexamples and applications illustrated and described herein, and withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A housing for an edge light assembly of a photography system, the housing comprising: an enclosure elongated in one direction and configured to at least partially receive a plurality of lighting elements in a linear distribution along the one direction, the plurality of lighting elements arranged on an interior of the enclosure and configured to emit light, the enclosure comprising: a light blocker configured to at least partially surround the plurality of lighting elements; and a plurality of apertures, wherein each one of the plurality of apertures corresponds to one of the plurality of lighting elements and is configured to define a respective light passage therethrough; and a plurality of socket assemblies arranged on an exterior of the enclosure and configured to receive the plurality of lighting elements at the housing.
 2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the one direction is a vertical direction.
 3. The housing of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are elongated in the one direction.
 4. The housing of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures have a width that is smaller than a height such that a vertical radiation angle is greater than a horizontal radiation angle.
 5. The housing of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of lighting elements is aligned with a center of the corresponding one of the plurality of apertures.
 6. The housing of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are defined by inner edges of the light blocker.
 7. The housing of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is formed from a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels.
 8. The housing of claim 7, wherein the light blocker is defined by the front panel, the rear panel, and the side panels.
 9. The housing of claim 7, wherein the rear panel is configured to at least partially receive the plurality of lighting elements, and the front panel comprises the plurality of apertures.
 10. An edge light assembly for a photography system, the edge light assembly comprising: a plurality of lighting elements arranged on an interior of a housing and configured to emit light; the housing elongated in one direction and configured to at least partially receive the plurality of lighting elements in a linear distribution along the one direction, the housing comprising: a light blocker configured to at least partially surround the plurality of lighting elements; and a plurality of apertures, wherein each one of the plurality of apertures corresponds to one of the plurality of lighting elements and is configured to define a respective light passage therethrough; and a plurality of socket assemblies arranged on an exterior of the housing and configured to receive the plurality of lighting elements at the housing.
 11. The edge light assembly of claim 10, further comprising a support device comprising a support bar and a clamping device configured to mount the edge light assembly to a light stand.
 12. The edge light assembly of claim 11, wherein a first end of the support bar is coupled to the housing and a second end of the support bar is configured to support the clamping device.
 13. The edge light assembly of claim 11, wherein the clamping device is adjustable to move the housing relative to the light stand to adjust a height of the edge light assembly.
 14. The edge light assembly of claim 11, wherein the clamping device is adjustable to rotate the housing relative to the light stand to change an angular position of the edge light assembly.
 15. An illumination method for generating a photographic edge light effect, the illumination method comprising: emitting light from a plurality of lighting elements arranged on an interior of a housing of an edge light assembly, wherein the housing is elongated in one direction, the plurality of lighting elements are linearly distributed along the one direction, and a plurality of socket assemblies are arranged on an exterior of the housing to receive the plurality of lighting elements at the housing; passing the light through a plurality of apertures in the housing to illuminate at least one edge of a subject while a camera captures an image of the subject, wherein the plurality of apertures correspond to each one of the plurality of lighting elements and are elongated in the one direction; and blocking at least some of the light emitted from the plurality of lighting elements, wherein the at least some of the light is blocked by a light blocker of the housing at least partially surrounding the plurality of lighting elements, and wherein the blocking inhibits the light from directly illuminating the camera.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: selectively activating one or more of the plurality of lighting elements corresponding to one or more of the plurality of apertures having a height corresponding to a position of the subject in a subject space.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: prior to emitting the light from the plurality of lighting elements, aligning the edge light assembly with the subject.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein aligning the edge light assembly with the subject comprises one of: aligning a center of the housing with the subject; and aligning an edge of the housing with the subject. 